Bow is sophisticated weapon

The item used to kill Kereti Paulsen in South Jersey is a sophisticated hunting weapon with a lever system of cables and pulleys.

Invented in 1966 by Missouri hunter Holless Wilbur Allen, the bow is designed to give archers greater velocity over the more traditional recurve bow and longbow, making it ideal for deer-hunting.

It is legal with a license in most states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to Wasp Archery, a Harrisburg arrow-maker. Both states regulate the types of arrows permitted.

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife requires an applicant to complete a course before purchasing a bow-and-arrow hunting license, according to its website. The course consists of a one-day field session in which students work with instructors to complete "an extensive field walk, mandatory live-fire session and concludes with a mandatory written exam."

Compound bows cost between $150 and $850. Arrow-makers have developed several high-end arrow tips with blades that provide greater penetration. One called the Original Razortip Broadhead is specifically designed to "pulverize heavy bone and slice like a scalpel."Authorities said the arrow used in Paulsen's slaying had a razor tip.